• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.327-336
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• 2008

Many herbal extracts have been reported to have a preventive or therapeutic effect of on diabetes mellitus. Momordica Charantia commonly known as bitter melon or karela has been reported to be a medicinal plant for treating various diseases including cancers and diabetes. The objectives of this study were to investigate anti-diabetic effects of bitter melon (BM) as determined by blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance test (GTT), insulin tolerance test (ITT), insulin and HbA1C activities in serum, serum biochemical and lipid levels, histopathology, immunohistochemistry and AMPK-${\alpha}2$ expression of skeletal muscle in male C57BL/6J db/db mice. There were four experimental groups including vehicle control, BM 10 mg/kg, BM 50 mg/kg, and BM 250 mg/kg. BM at doses of 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg was orally administered to the diabetic mice everyday for 8 weeks. The treatments of BM 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg significantly decreased the blood glucose level in the diabetic mice compared with vehicle control (p < 0.05). The treatments of BM 10 and 50 mg/kg significantly decreased the GTT, ITT and HbA1c levels in the diabetic mice compared with vehicle control (p < 0.05). All BM groups significantly decreased GOT, GPT, BUN, LDL and glucose levels in the diabetic mice compared with the vehicle control mice (p < 0.05). The livers of mice treated with the BM 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg showed a remarkable decrease in the number of lipid droplets compared with the vehicle control. The pancreas of mice treated with the BM 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg showed a remarkable increase in insulin concentration of ${\beta}$-cells compared with the vehicle control. In addition, the treatments of BM 10, 50, and 250 mg/kg actually increased the expression of AMPK-${\alpha}2$ compared with vehicle control. These results suggest that BM has a respectable anti-diabetic effect resulting from inhibition of blood glucose level and lipid level in serum and that consumption of BM may give a benefit for controlling diabetes mellitus in humans.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.180-186
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• 2009

In this study, Crotalaria sessiliflora L., leaf was extracted with a solvent mixture of $CH_2Cl_2$ and $CH_2OH$ (3:1). In order to draw or separate effective components from the leaf extract with high activity, a 1:1 solvent mixture of water and butanol was used after removal of the sugar and fat from the extract. From the decompressed and concentrated butanol layer, 10 small fractions (Fr1, Fr2, Fr3, Fr4, Fr5, Fr6, Fr7, Fr8, Fr9, and Fr10) were obtained using a chromatography column filled with sephadex LH-20. The activity of each fraction was measured by the same method as that used to measure the antioxidant effect of each part(p<0.05). The Fr1, Fr4, and Fr6 fractions showed the highest activity levels(p<0.05). The vital unknown material that vitality exists in the strong butanol fractions of F1, F4 and F6 will be isolated and identified. Currently, we are performing for a single compound from an unknown peak by instrumental analysis.

• THE JOURNAL OF KOREAN ORIENTAL ONCOLOGY
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.1-18
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• 2000

The present study was performed in order to evaluate the effects of the gamihyangsayukgunjatang on radioprotection and apoptosis in small intestines of mice after whole body irradiation. Two hundred forty mice were divided into 40 groups according to the radiation dose and the gamihyangsayukgunjatang treatment. The extracts of the herbal medicines were orally administered to each group differently before and/or after irradiation. The gamihyangsayukgunjatang treated groups were divided into 3 groups. Sample Ⅰ was the group treated with the gamihyangsayukgunjatang for 3 days before the radiation, sample Ⅱ was the group treated with the gamihyangsayukgunjatang for 3 days after the radiation. Sample Ⅲ was the group treated with the gamihyangsayukgunjatang for both 3 days before and after the radiation. To analyze the crypt survival, the micradony survival assay was used according to the Withers and Elind's method. To analyze the apptosis, the TUNEL assay was done. The results obtained are a follows : 1. From the microcolony survival assay, the gamihyangsayukgunjatang treated groups showed the radioprotective effect with a statistical significance(p<0.05), as compared to the control group. Comparing the radioprotective effect among the 3 groups, sample III was statistically more significant than sample I and II (p<0.05). Sample I showed no effect. In accordance with the research mentioned above, it is suggested that the radioprotective effect of the gamihyangsayukgunjatang is more useful for the treatment of the radiation injury rather that the prevention. 2. The results of the TUNEL assay showed that the apoptotic index in the gamihyangsayukgunjatang treated group was slightly decreased with no effectiveness, as compared to the control group. According to the above results, it could be suggested that the gamihyangsayukgujatang has a prominent protective effect in mice intestines against the radiation damage. However, the radioprotective effect does not seem to be related to inhibition of the apoptosis.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.319-336
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• 2015

Objectives: The object of this study was to evaluate the cognition and motor function recovery effects of Sungshim-san (SSS), a traditional Korean cardio-protective polyherbal formula in the severe rat stroke, permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) model. Methods: The experimental animals were divided into 6 groups. SSS aqueous extracts (yield=16.82%; 400, 200 and 100 mg/kg) were administered orally by using Sonde, once daily, for 28 continuous days from 24 hrs post-pMCAO. Donepezil 10 mg/kg, a representative drug for dementia, was used as a reference drug. The body weight changes, infarct/defect sizes, sensorimotor function and cognitive motor behavior were serially monitored. Limb placing and body-swing test for sensorimotor functions were conducted at 1 day before operation (base line), and 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post-pMCAO; and water maze test for the cognitive motor behavior was conducted at 14 and 28 days post-pMCAO, respectively. Results: Focal cerebral cortex infarct and defects due to pMCAO resulted in marked decreases of body weight, disorders of sensorimotor functions and cognitive motor behaviors. However, the pMCAO-related ischemic damages were markedly and dose-dependently inhibited by treatment with SSS 400 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Donepezil markedly decreased the body weight and gains, as compared with pMCAO control rats; however, SSS 400 and 200 mg/kg favorably ameliorated the pMCAO-induced decreases in body weight and gains. SSS 100 mg/kg treated rats did not show any favorable effects on the pMCAO-related ischemic damages, as compared with pMCAO control rats. Conclusions: The results of the study indicated that oral administration of SSS 400 and 200 mg/kg accelerated cognition and motor function recovery in the rat pMCAO model. The treatment effect was potentially mediated by neuroprotection via the known augmentation of cerebral antioxidant defense system of SSS itself or its individual herbal components. Especially, the overall effects of SSS 200 mg/kg were similar to those of donepezil 10 mg/kg, but less toxic.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.525-531
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• 2016

Cynanchum wilfordii Radix (CWR), Arctium lappa L (ALL), and Dioscorea opposite (DO) have been known to improve blood lipid profile, blood pressure, and inflammation. To find the optimal combination ratio of CWR, ALL, and DO in terms of vascular health improvement, we compared the effects of various combinations on gene expression of Vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC). VCAM-1 mediates endothelial leukocyte adhesion and is upregulated in atherosclerosis. Cells was stimulated by TNF-α (10 ng/㎖, 2h) and treated with various combinations for 24 h. A combination (CADM5, CWR:ALL:DO = 2:1:1) showed the strongest suppression of VCAM-1 so that CADM5 was chosen for further experiments. We performed cell viability test with CADM5 (0, 3.125, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 ㎍/㎖) and no cytotoxicity was found. We also investigated the effect of CADM5 on protein expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, Nrf-2, and HO-1 using western blotting. We found that CADM5 diminished the expression of VCAM-1 and increased the expression of Nrf-2 and HO-1. Therefore, we concluded that CADM5 (CWR:ALL:DO = 2:1:1) effectively improves vascular health by regulating the expression of VCAM-1.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.506-512
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• 2006

Gastrodia elata Blume (GEB) is a traditional herbal plant that has been used in Asian countries for centuries as an anticonvulsant analgesic, and a sedative for treating general paralysis, epilepsy, vertigo, and tetanus. This study was designed to optimize conditions for ethanol extracts or GEB by analyzing and monitoring the extraction characteristics with response surface methodology. The extract was used for analysis of the effective components of GEB. The estimated optimal conditions were 63.62% in ethanol of 5.06 mL/g in solvent per sample, and 6.25 hr in extract time. The optimal extraction conditions for $ \gamma-aminobutyric$ acid, were 45.52%, 5.67 mL/g, and 6.04 hr, while those for $\rho-hydroxybenzyl$ alcohol were 62.73%, 5.02 mL/g, and 5.95 hr. Regression equation was generated for each variables and then superimposed them, such as soluble solid, $ \gamma-aminobutyric$ acid and $\rho-hydroxybenzyl$ alcohol content thereby resulting in superimposed values of extinction conditions like $45\sim65%,\;5\sim7mL/g$ and $5\sim7$ hr, respectively.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.445-451
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is positively associated with atherosclerosis via elevating macrophage cell death and plaque formation, in which oxidative stress plays a pivotal role. Antioxidative, lipid-lowering, and anti-atherogenic effects of kimchi, a Korean fermented vegetable, have been established, wherein capsaicin, ascorbic acid, quercetin, 3-(4'-hydroxyl-3',5'-dimethoxyphenyl)propionic acid, and lactic acids were identified. In this study, mechanisms of action of kimchi methanol extracts (KME) on fatty streak formation via suppression of ER stress and apoptosis in aorta were examined in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice fed a high cholesterol diet with an oral administration of KME (KME group, $200 mg{\cdot}kg-bw^{-1}{\cdot}day^{-1}$) or distilled water (control group) for 8 weeks (n = 20 for group). Plasma lipid and oxidative stress levels were evaluated. Protein expression was measured by western blot assay. Fatty streak lesion size and the degree of apoptosis were examined in the aorta. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, in the KME group, plasma lipids levels were decreased and oxidative stress was alleviated (P < 0.05). Protein expression levels of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2-mediated antioxidants in aorta were increased whereas those for ER stress markers, glucose regulated protein 78, phospho-protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase, phospho-eukaryotic initiation factor 2 subunit ${\alpha}$, X-box binding protein 1, and C/EBP homologous protein were decreased in the KME group (P < 0.05). Moreover, apoptosis was suppressed via downregulation of phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase, bcl-2-associated X protein, caspases-9, and -3 with a concomitant upregulation of anti-apoptotic protein, B-cell lymphoma 2 (P < 0.05). Fatty streak lesion size was reduced and the degree of apoptosis was less severe in the KME group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, antioxidant activity of KME might prevent fatty streak formation through, in part, inhibition of ER stress and apoptosis in aortic sinus where macrophages are harbored.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.223-226
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• 2014

In the fermented soybean product known as "chungkookjang", diverse bioactive compounds are produced when the soybean proteins are degraded during fermentation. Vascular endothelial cells (EC) are crucial in vein function and the formation of new vessels. A treatment to stimulate formation of new blood vessels is needed in cerebrovascular diseases that lead to ischaemic stroke and heart attack, as well as for diabetic ulcers. VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) simulates EC formation. The effect of Chungkookjang ethanol extract (CEE) on the proliferation of EC was studied. CEE (100, $1000{\mu}g/ml$) and boiled CEE were as effective as VEGF (10 ng/ml) for the proliferation of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC). The effect of CEE on the migration of HUVEC was investigated using sprout analysis. CEE ($100{\mu}g/ml$) was as effective as VEGF (10 ng/ml) for the migration of HUVEC. Isolation of specific peptides influencing the growth and migration of EC is needed.

• THE JOURNAL OF KOREAN ORIENTAL ONCOLOGY
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.141-165
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• 1995

In order to investigate the effects of Banhabaekchulcheonmatang and Banhabaekchulcheonmatanggamibang on antitumor effects after Sarcoma-180 cells transplantation into the peritoneal cavity or left groin in mice, and immune responses in mice induced by methotrexate, the extracts of its herbal medicines were orally administered for 14 or 21 days. Experimental studies were performed for measurance of mean survival days, tumor and body weight for antitumor effects, and delayed type hypersensitivity, hemagglutinin titer, hemolysin titer, rosette forming cells, natural killer cell activity and phagocytic activity for immune responses in ICR mice. Following results were obtained : 1. Mean survival time in Banhabaekchulcheonmatang and Banhabaekchulcheonmatanggamibang-treated group was significantly prolonged, as compared with the control group(P<0.010, P<0.005). 2. Tumor weight in Banhabaekchulcheonmatang and Banhabaekchulcheonmatanggamibang-treated group was significantly depressed, as compared with the control group(P<0.050, P<0.050). 3. Body weight in Banhabaekchulcheonmatang-treated group was significantly increased (P<0.050), but in Banhabackchulcheonmatanggamibang-treated group was slightly increased with no effectivenes, as compared with the control group. 4. Delayed type hypersensitivity in Banhabaekchulcheonmatang and Banhabaekchulcheonmatanggamibang-treated group was significantly increased, as compared with the control group(P<0.010, P<0.050). 5. Hemagglutinin titer in Banhabaekchulcheonmatang and Banhabaekchulcheonmatanggamibang-treated group was significantly increased, as compared with the control group(P<0.050, P<0.050). 6. Hemolysin titer in Banhabaekchulcheonmatanggamibang-treated group was significantly increased (P<0.050), but in Banhabaekchulcheonmatanggamibang-treated group was slightly increased with no effectiveness, as compared with the control group. 7. Rosette forming cells in Banhabaekchulcheonmatang and Banhabaekchulcheonmatanggamibang-treated group was slightly increased with no effectiveness, as compared with the control group. 8. Natural Killer cell activity in Banhabaekchulcheonmatang and Banhabaekchulcheonmatanggamibang-treated group was slightly increased with no effectiveness, as compared with the control group. 9. Phagocytic activity in Banhabaekchulcheonmatanggamibang-treated group group was significantly increased (P<0.050), but in Banhabaekchulcheonmatanggamibang-treated group was increased with no effectiveness, as compared with the control group. According to the above results, it could be suggested that Banhabaekchulcheonmatang and Banhabaekchulcheonmatanggamibang have prominent antitumor effects, and enhance both cellular and humoral immunity.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.737-749
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• 1999

Recently many researches on plaque removal effect and therapeutic effect of toothpaste containing natural medicines are being studied in early periodontal diseases. The purpose of this study is to examine the clinical and microbiological effect of toothpaste containing natural medicines such as camomile, rhatany, myrrh，sage oil, glycyrrhetinic acid and vitamin E. Sixty three subjects with gingivitis were divided into an experimental group which performed normal oral hygiene procedure with toothpaste containing natural medicines and vitamine E and a control group which also performed normal oral hygiene procedure with Syrinmed? toothpaste without containing herbal extracts and vitamine E. At the baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks, subjects were analyzed for clinical study and microbiological study. After 2 weeks and 4 weeks use of their respective toothpastes, statistically significant decreases of gingival index, plaque index, and bleeding index were shown in both the control and the experimental group. The degree of decrease was more significant in the experimental group than the control group. A statistically significant decrease of pocket depth, and gingival crevicular fluid were shown in both the control and lie experimental group. A statistically significant increase of cocci was shown in both the control and the experimental group, the degree of increase was more significant in the experimental group than control group. A statistically significant decrease ofnon-motile rods, and motile rods were shown in both the control and the experimental group, the degree of decrease was more significant in the experimental group than the control group. Spirochetes increased weakly in both the control and the experimental group but a statistic significance was not shown. A statistically significant decrease of anaerobic bacteria, aerobic bacteria, and black pigmented Bacteroides were shown in both the control and the experimental group. These results indicate that the use of toothpaste containing natural medicines is effective in the prevention and the treatment of periodontal diseases.